Japan-based Takeda has made a strategic investment in the U.S.-based Fate Therapeutics, a privately-held firm that specializes in stem cell research, according to Pharma Times.

The investment has been made via the Japanese drugmaker's corporate venture arm, Takeda Ventures, and is designed to expand Takeda’s portfolio in regenerative medicine.

Fate’s first therapeutic candidate is now in phase Ib studies in hematopoietic reconstitution in patients with malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Takeda says its new partner utilizes "the most advanced biologics and reprogramming technologies for identifying promising points of therapeutic intervention." Fate has secured backing from venture firms and the investment arms of Astellas and Genzyme.